Some passengers remain missing, the Costa Rican foreign ministry said, but did not specify how many.

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El 19 Digital said an unspecified number of people were rescued, including the tour boat's owner, Hilario Blandon.

Nicaraguan naval authorities had banned sea travel in the area because of bad weather and strong winds, but the tour boat proceeded anyway, the state-run news agency said.

Blandon, the boat's owner, has been detained by Nicaraguan authorities, the agency said. Both he and Hellon Absalon Pratt Carter, a crew member, are being investigated for reckless homicide and exposing people to danger, according to police.

Costa Rica's foreign ministry said the search continues for the missing passengers.